Originally Posted By MPierce >> The queue is better at WDW, but Paris' trumps it. << I'll have to find some video on it.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> This is becoming very interesting. I can't wait until next month to see all the variations of the rides. << I know you'll enjoy yourself if you take the entire experience as a whole of all of the Parks. Just go in knowing the MK is no Disneyland. It will still be a lot of fun since this is your first visit. Let us know how it went for you.
Originally Posted By SafariRob I'll do a trip report for sure. We're going to hit ALL the parks this time (instead of just two). We have five days so we will most-likely hit one of them twice...and maybe even hop around a bit. I really want to see the stuff that used to be at DL but is now gone: People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Country Bears, etc.
Originally Posted By MPierce Country bears was in pretty bad shape. I don't know how it is now though. Enchanted Tiki Room under new Management is different, but there is a good chance you will not like it. Make sure, and catch the Hall of Presidents.
Originally Posted By SafariRob EPCOT. That's what I was thinking, too. How are crowds in mid-October?
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <We've got the best queue though.> I don't know about that. While the Disneyland queue for 'Pirates' is a bit awkward (the odd ramp leading up to the load area), the WDW queue is very blocky and hard. Doesn't have the lush theme-ing that Disney is known for. Yes, it's a jail, but in many ways it feels temporary -- like those haunted mazes they put up at Knott's for Halloween. I remember the first time I visited in 1986, having grown up with Disneyland's version since 1969 -- I was very suprised. I had a friend with me, and afterward spent a lot of time explaining how different the experience was from Disneyland. And let's face it -- the unload for WDW's 'Pirates' is terrible.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA And yes, EPCOT rocks the house. That was my biggest surprise when I first visited WDW in 1986. EPCOT Center was just amazing to me. Still is.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>Ok, the film based attractions are, in the film only.<< I think this is the most clear with It's Tough To Be A Bug. While the show itself isn't terribly impressive on either coast, you should definitely at least check out the queue for it in the Animal Kingdom. It really sets the stage for the show very well, and it also gives you a very interesting perspective and view of the Tree of Life that can't really be seen anywhere else in the park.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Pirates' queue really is much nicer than DL's, but like everyone else here, it is a downer when the rides are compared. Still, it is a solid E-Ticket if you look at it alone from the other parks. Marc Davis once commented somewhere that he left in the "best parts" and removed what he felt didn't work for him when they designed the MK version. Not sure I buy that whole explanation as budget was probably the primary reason it was shortened. Some comparisons between DL and MK attractions at both parks: Railroad - Much better at Disneyland concerning sights, but overall still a wonderful form of transportation at WDW. At least you sit facing forwards and can look out both sides of the train here! Swiss Family Treehouse - much better than it's DL Tarzan counterpart still with a Swiss Family Robinson theme. Jungle Cruise - Overall better at Disneyland with the newer scenes and upgrades, but MK's is longer and has that cool indoor temple section. Worth checking out! Tiki Room Under New Management - The DL original is still better, but this show isn't completely as bad as others have suggested. See it and make your own judgement Pirates of the Caribbean - See above... Splash Mountain - Much better at WDW, imho. Hopefully the hopping Brer Rabbit will be working for you. Big Thunder Mountain - Basically the same ride. Little bit longer in Florida, but not as nifty a queue as in California. Tom Sawyer Island - Not as great as it once was, but still a lot of fun to explore. It didn't get the Pirate makeover at least and it still has guns in the fort. (Yes, it still has a fort!) Sadly, a lot of things have been removed or closed for "safety" reasons since it opened. Haunted Mansion - Mostly the same, but it has some definite differences and plusses over the Anaheim mansion. It doesn't have Jack Skellington overlays, but it has the nifty new staircase scene as well as Constance, the hatchet wielding bride! HM is terrific in Florida! Liberty Square Riverboat - Although the boat is beautiful, the scenery isn't as grand as at Disneyland. Mostly natural Florida foliage to look at, not much more. It does take you back to a simpler time, though, just not much to see along the way except a great view of Big Thunder Mountain. Small World (if it's open for you) is vastly different in presentation than Disneyland's, though it's basically the same ride. Currently they don't have the Disney characters lurking inside and it has a strange looking indoor loading area. It also features flooded rooms vs the trough at Disneyland. Peter Pan and Snow White - Both are much better at Disneyland, but still fun at the MK. Winnie the Pooh - Much better ride than at DL, though the queue is lackluster (at least for now as it's getting a makeover as part of the new Fantasyland). We still miss Mr. Toad here, though! Dumbo and Mad Tea Party - Dumbo doesn't have the fountain and MTP has a roof, but basically both the same as at DL. Goofy's Barnstormer - Pretty much the same ride as Gadget's Go-Coaster, but with a better theme and queue. See it now before it gets rethemed! Space Mountain - Much different than DL's. I love it in WDW and find it fun, many despise it when compared to DL. Ride it and make your own choice. At least it has two different (though almost mirror imaged) tracks. Double the fun!!! Buzz Lightyear - It's fun, but DL's is somewhat better. Unique attractions at the MK: Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Not worth waiting for unless you're really into spinner rides. "Cheapens" the look of Adventurerland. Hall of Presidents - A definite must-see. One of the MK's unique gems. Country Bear Jamboree - One of the classic attractions that opened at WDW first, but sadly removed from DL. It's still fun, but they only play the classic show here now. They used to alternate the Vacation show and up until just a few years ago, the Christmas show here. Now, it's only "Blood on the Saddle" all of the time. Great classic show, but it would be nice to see an update and a change of performance. Heck, we'd love to see the Christmas show come back again. Definitely worth checking out for nostalgic reasons. Philarmagic - Good 3-D movie. Lots of fun. I'm sure it will eventually find its way to California. Grand Prix Raceway (or whatever they call it now) - Looks a little different than Autopia, but basically the same ride. DL has better scenery. TTA Peoplemover - A wonderful, now unique attraction at the MK. Definitely a hidden gem with never a wait. Ride and enjoy! Monsters Inc Laugh Floor - I haven't experienced this yet, but it uses the same concept as Turtle Talk with Crush, only with the Monsters, Inc characters. My brother and his kids loved it, many on this board despise it. See it and make your own decision. Stitch's Great Escape - Definitely a lesser version than the wonderfully scary Alien Encounter that came before it. The AA Stitch is very realistic. Quite amazing, actually. However, the show is full of juvenile gross-outs. My kid loved it when he was 8, now finds it stupid at 12. Try it once and make your own decision. Astro Orbiter - MUCH better location at the MK than at DL. Basically just a spinner, though. Carousel of Progress - Definitely a Disney classic worth seeing. It's a bit outdated in the final act, but overall a wonderfully nostalgic show from the days of Walt, but with a "Christmas Story" twist to it when it was updated in the mid 90s. Go see it before they eventually pull the plug on it! As for attractions found at DLR vs WDW at the other parks: Disney Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror - Most feel that WDW's is the best. I would agree. It's the only version with the neat "Fifth Dimension" dark-ride portion of the ride. Probably the best overall ride at WDW. Midway Mania - Haven't ridden this yet, but basically the same ride. DCA's queue is reportedly better, but the ride is basically the same. Star Tours - Closed for refurbishment for ST2, but the outside queue was cool with the AT-AT outside. Basically the same indoor queue and ride as what Disneyland had. Muppetvision - Same movie though the film system is now upgraded to Disney Digital 3-D. Waiting area is fun and there are some clever props to look for with inside jokes (like "A Net Full of Jello" - say it fast to get the joke). Epcot: Captain Eo - Same as at DL, just at different building. Finding Nemo - Similar technology and animated sequences found in the DL subs, but not nearly as "immersive" as DL's! LOL! Soarin - Same movie and ride system, overall better queue and theme at DCA. Animal Kingdom: Tough to Be a Bug - What Ferrot said. Same show, but wonderful queue area around the Tree of Life. Kali River Rapids - Basically like Grizzly Run at DCA in the fact that its a very wet rapids ride. Theming is different and the ride is shorter at DAK. Dinosaur - Same ride system as Indiana Jones at DL, but definitely not the same ride. Indy is vastly superior, but Dinosaur is still a fun ride regardless and somewhat underated. Just try not comparing it with Indy if you can and you'll probably like it. As for the rest of the attractions at the other parks, almost all are unique to Orlando. Most are worth seeing at least once. Make sure to see the following unique attractions at each park: At DHS: Great Movie Ride Rock n' Roller Coaster Voyage of the Little Mermaid show (very good) Indiana Jones Stunt Show Lights Motor Action Epcot: Spaceship Earth Living With the Land Journey Into Imagination With Figment (not as good as the original, but still fun) Test Track Mission Space Universe of Energy Gran Fiesta Tour Maelstrom Reflections of China circlevision movie O' Canada circlevision movie Impression's de France movie American Adventure (a definite must see!) Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest Kilamanjaro Safari Finding Nemo Show (Avoid Chester and Hesters in Dinoland unless you really love cheesily themed spinning coasters and another cheesily themed spinner ride! There's NOTHING worth your time here!!! One of the worst additions ever to a Disney park!!!) Have fun in Florida!!!
Originally Posted By KatieKate123 If it makes you feel better. When my sister and her husband went in October (I have only been in april this is my frist sept/oct trip and I will tell you what the crowds are like when I get home next week) but according to my sister, she and her husband spent one day in Mk and were able to do all of the rides they wanted 2.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>We've got the best queue though.<<< Sorry Pierce, that one goes to Paris - best queue and building, with a tie with DL for the best ride version.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmmm, a difficult one, and there are some good answers here. I have to say personally, every time I go to WDW and walk into the MK, I curse myself for not going to Disneyland, DLP or Tokyo Disneyland instead. But there are some cool things to check out as a Disneylander. Main Street - The Barber Shop is a very fun addition here. Adventureland - Hmmm, I prefer Paris and Anaheim overall. Hwoever, the Jungle Cruise looks nicer but has comparitively rubbish skippers. Tiki Room has been killed. Nice to see the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House (the spanish moss is a cool addition). As for Pirates, only bother with it if it's a walk on or you have time. It will certainly make you appreciate Disneyland. Frontierland - not much worth bothering with here. The only thing worthy of note is Country Bears (though last time we went they were in desperate need to refurb - but still great to see the bears again). Florida has the worst version of big thunder, and I prefer DL's Splash Mountain (though I seem to be in the minority on this one). Liberty Square - ok, to me, this is the redeeming feature of the MK, it has the detail we know and expect of a Disney park and it is unique. There are lots of lovely unique features here (although not as much as there used to be). Hall of Presidents is a must do, and the tomb stone for Leota and the stairs are nice differences in Haunted Mansion. Fantasyland - run out of there as quickly as possible, no where near as good as Ca or PAris. Only exception is Phiharmagic (the Baloos do not like this attraction, but it is very popular with others). Also the Winnie the Pooh ride hsa some cute differences (though we prefer DL's). Only go on with fast pass. Tomorrowland - this one has a cute design, and the advantages here are the People Mover, the Rocket Jets/Astro Orbitor where it belongs and the wonderful Carousel of Progress. Stitch and MILF are unique to Florida and are ok, but only if you have the time. To me the rule of thumb is if there is an attraction in WDW and in another Disney park, WDW has the worst version (with the possible exception of the Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror - though I do prefer DCA/WDSP version, ToT in WDW has the 5th dimension room which is pretty cool). The parades are a waste of time, but the fireworks are big and cool (shame about the soundtrack). But I am sure there is plenty you will enjoy here.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Epcot is definately the reason to go to WDW IMHO. The do not misses for me are: Spaceship Earth American Adventure Listen to the LAnd The LIving Seas Universe of Energy Test Track (fast pass only) Enjoy World Showcase - especially Mo Rockin, the Taiko Drummers and the CHinese Acrobats Some people like Mission Space (I think it is boring and overrated). Illuminations Reflections of Earth is my fav night show tied with Remember Dreams Come True. DAK - my second fav park. Do not miss Kilimenjaro Safari, the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, and Dinosaur. Expedition Everest is fun, and Kali River Rapids has fab theming (but it is short). Also the streetmousphere is great in this park. The Nemo Show is ok, others love it. Many love the Festival of the Lion King too, but I feel it is an overrated pep rally. DHS - hmmmmm, mixed park this one. The Streetmousphere is great here. I enjoy the Great Movie Ride (a little long in the tooth though). Also One Mans Dream is a must for a Disney fan, one of my fav things in WDW. ToT is fun. And I quite like Rock N Roller Coaster, but only if a short wait (and I prefer both these rides in Paris). Lights Motors Action is an excellent stunt show, but I do prefer the original in Paris. I wouldn't bother with Muppetvision or TSMM as they are virtually the same as DL. the Indy Stunt show is only ok. Everything else is a pass IMHO. Personally I would be tempted to consider a day at Kennedy Space Centre (amazing) or trying out the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at IOA. But no matter what you choose, I am sure you will have fun. Also, the water parks are excellent and highly themed at WDW (nothing like them on the West Coast). And the deluxe resorts are worth exploring - Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Boardwalk.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Hwoever, the Jungle Cruise looks nicer but has comparitively rubbish skippers.>> Dunno about that.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well I have heard of good skippers in WDW< but never experienced one. Yet I have never had a bad skipper in Anaheim. John Lasseter was my fav when I was a kid though!
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^Cool. I think the problem comes in the shear number of skippers we have in WDW, especially in the ICP department. It's a shame they shove people who can't speak English into the role. Also doesn't help that they all work at night.
Originally Posted By -em >> It's a shame they shove people who can't speak English into the role.<< sigh. As much as I'm pro multi language and pro inclusion I just wonder where a line needs to be drawn over limited certain roles to cast who do not have full conversational english ability? Both in training for safe operations, and being able to instruct guests both in daily and emergency operations? I dont doubt most of cast are fully capable of learning what needs to be done but are they truly understanding it with the limited english some seem to have? and at what point is it a disservice to the guest when you have a CM who they can't understand? Back to topic..
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^I completely agree. And I see how much people are angered by a skipper who can't speak perfect English, especially after waiting in a long line for the attraction. Plus, most of them don't understand the humor/how to deliver a joke.
